April 17 update from Dr. Silver: schools to remain closed through May 15, virtual instruction continues

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Dear Monticello families:

Yesterday, Governor Cuomo extended the executive order to keep schools closed through May 15. As such, we will continue with our virtual learning plan until the governor allows us to reopen.

 Earlier this week, our technology department distributed nearly 750 devices to students who indicated that they do not have access to one at home. Families who have been contacted regarding device pickup, but have not yet picked up their device should make arrangements as soon as possible by contacting the main office of their child’s school. If you need assistance with your device, please visit our newly-launched tech support webpage https://www.monticelloschools.net/about-us/technology/tech-support-during-the-covid-19-closure/ for answers to frequently asked questions, tutorials and troubleshooting contact information.

  We know that internet accessibility remains a challenge for some of our families, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to seek out solutions to reach all of our students. We encourage families to visit https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers and enter their zip code to research low-cost internet options. Xfinity has also published a map where users can search for free WiFi hotspots  by location: https://hotspots.wifi.xfinity.com/. If you are unable to secure internet access, please contact your child’s teacher and he or she will provide lessons in an alternate format.Our teachers are providing direct instruction to students Monday through Thursday, with Fridays reserved for catch-up work, revising work according to teacher feedback and opportunities for tutorials and intervention. For more specific information, please refer to last week’s communication from your child’s principal.  

As I’ve said in nearly every communication since the COVID-19 pandemic began, this is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. Our professionals are working tirelessly and our leadership team is in constant communication to help keep our students and families safe, supported and engaged during these stressful times.  We plan to continue our deliveries of five days worth of meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for as long as schools remain closed. Please visit our “Enrichment, Review and Resources” webpage for a list of agencies and organizations providing mental health, food assistance and other services. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.